With the daily and excessive use of cell phones, many wonder whether cell phones should be allowed in the classroom setting.
Some teachers still argue that cell phones only cause disruption in class and that if allowed, students would not use their phones for academic purposes, but instead to text their friends or go on social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
However, phones aren’t necessarily a distraction; they can also be an effective method of getting information to aid class work.
Having easy access to a cell phone can limit confusion on a topic being discussed in class.
“I would use my phone to access an internet translator, or to go on websites such as Quizlet to help me study during class,” said freshman Nikki Riqulme. “However, cell phones should only be for academic purposes when they are out in class.”
If a student needs to look something up, cell phones become an object of utility. This can be especially helpful in foreign language classes for quick access to dictionaries or translators.
Many teachers also agree that cell phones are acceptable for academic purposes.
“Students using phones to text or email in class are disruptive,” said foreign language teacher Ms. Nancy Zove. “However, as an educational tool, cell phones can be useful. Students may find cell phones really helpful in finding information pertinent to the lesson or in use as a dictionary. But they should only be allowed to take their phones out with their teacher’s permission.”
As long as students use cell phones in class for purely academic material, cell phones are very beneficial.
“Cell phone use is very helpful,” said chemistry teacher Ms. Joy Grasso-Krebs. “Especially with online grading and checking labs, using cell phones to access the internet can improve grade point accuracy.”
Currently, Schreiber is piloting PowerGrade, which is a way to allow kids to monitor their grades online, which would help prevent confusion about grades.
“Cell phones should not be used for texting friends or socializing in class,” said Grasso-Krebs. “Cell phones are here to stay since we are growing as a technology savvy generation.”
Any class willing to adapt to our increasingly technological era will receive great benefits.
The adoption of cell phones is the necessary next step in changing our learning environment for the better.